Learning and volunteering through photography helped enrich his life after retirement

Sports photography is not easy. It requires one to have strong observation skills, quick responses and immense strength to carry heavy equipment on the go. Yet, Eric Koh enjoys the challenges and accompanying thrills, action and energy. The 68-year-old retiree has been volunteering with Team Nila as a sports photographer since 2018.

 

What’s more impressive is that Eric only picked up photography as a hobby at the age of 64! The lifelong learner was so serious about it that he signed up to study photography at the then SIM University and LASALLE College of the Arts a year after his retirement. The LASALLE course “Travel Photography” that Eric took was offered under the National Silver Academy (NSA), where seniors aged 50 and above can enjoy subsidised course fees.

 

Eric said: “When I retired, I was ready to enjoy life such as going on overseas trips, relishing in dinners and tea time, as well as participating in various activities. It's a very satisfying life, but it didn't take long before I started to feel that I should devote my time to contribute back to the community instead of spending 24 hours on myself. That would make my life more meaningful.”

 

Staying up to date with digital skills

 

The volunteer experiences have not only honed Eric’s photography skills, but also kept him abreast of the latest digital trends, such as learning to use Zoom.

 

“When I first became a volunteer photographer, I felt that I had a lot to learn, so I searched for various information and videos on the Internet, and explored photography skills and photo retouching by myself,” said Eric.

 

In addition to sports competitions, he also often applies what he has learnt, such as photographing urban scenes, fireworks displays, birds and Formula One races. With the accumulation of experience, Eric became more adept in photo taking.

 

He said: "Because I photographed a lot more, I also learned to use digital tools. In the past, I only used WhatsApp to send messages, but now because I am a volunteer, I often interact with others, and gradually I also learnt to use a lot of digital tools, such as video conferencing on Zoom to hold meetings.”

 

Expanding his social circle

 

Eric has forged new friendships with many active seniors and like-minded people, younger volunteers and staff through volunteering in various sports events and competitions.

 

“Recently, when I was capturing photos for a track and field competition, I met a 64-year-old runner who was participating in the 1,500-meter race. He was the oldest runner, but he ran very gracefully. Seeing people my age still active and healthy is inspiring,” Eric shared.

 

He said: “At the same time, I find it very rare to see young people who are keen in photography and make time for volunteer work. Sometimes I share my experience with them, such as which angle might be ideal. But I also learn a lot from them and discover new perspectives!”

 

“I am truly grateful for the many opportunities that community groups have given me to film sports competitions. Being part of Team Nila allows me to stay active, expand my social circle and have the opportunity to give back to the community.”

 

---

 

Team Nila is a volunteer team of ActiveSG Sports Club and the public is welcome to sign up for events and training. Visit this link for more details and to register: https://www.myactivesg.com/whats-on/team-nila-sport-volunteer-drive

 

Find out more about the various NSA courses subsidised for seniors aged 50 and above at: https://www.c3a.org.sg/short-courses 

 

Read more about Eric in this Lianhe Zaobao article: 用镜头走入人群 退休人士乐当摄影义工

 

Source: I Feel Young SG